In the fall of 2006, a friend introduced me to a book called True Devotion to Mary by St Louis de Montfort, and I can confidently say that there has never been a book that had a greater impact in my spiritual life.
I was blessed to be raised a cradle Catholic, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly encountered Jesus and truly made Him Lord of my life. In many ways, just like Jesus, Mary was familiar, but it would take even more years before I encountered her love and truly became a son of the Blessed Mother.
St Louis DeMontfort
Even though I read True Devotion to Mary and became convinced that Total Consecration to Mary was something important to do in my faith life, I hesitated and let many personal fears and insecurities get in the way of committing to the process. It took me another 5 years to finally realize how silly it was for me to hold back because I felt so unworthy to give myself to such an extent to the purest and most holy Virgin Mary. I believed the lies of my unworthiness, and even worse, that she wouldn’t love me, and that I should try it on my own before going through her.
The Annunciation
On March 25, 2011, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, I consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary, and the graces I have received through it have been nothing short of incredible. I have passively gone through the renewal each Lent since, but I made a commitment to take my renewal to a new level this year, and I have in awe of how much more the Holy Spirit has revealed to me and inspired me with an ever increasing love and devotion to Our Lady. Most beautifully, it has taken my understanding of the cross to a more intimate level this lent.
Maybe you’ve had your reasons and hesitations for not doing Marian Consecration, but I will share some reasons to encourage you to consider doing it soon. It only takes a few moments a day for 33 days, and you can choose almost any feast that has anything to do with Mary as your target date.
5 Reasons to do Marian Consecration
1. It pleases Jesus to entrust yourself to her
“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
-Saint Maximilian Kolbe
”Jesus honored her before all ages, and will honor her for all ages. No one comes to Him, nor even near Him, no one is saved or sanctified, if he too will not honor her. This is the lot of Angels and of men.”
-Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Martyr
Our Lady of Sorrows
2. On the cross Jesus commanded us to take Mary into our homes (our hearts)
“If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother.”
-Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Martyr
“Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children.”
-Saint Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church
3. Mary’s greatest desire is for our greater unity with her Son, Jesus
“We never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son.”
-Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
“The reason why Christ is unknown today is because His Mother is unknown.”
-Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman
Immaculate Conception – Rubens
4. Mary cares for her Children and entrustment to her Immaculate heart is the easiest way to heaven
“If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you.”
-St. John Vianney
“If you ever feel distressed during your day — call upon our Lady — just say this simple prayer: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit — this prayer has never failed me.”
-Blessed Mother Teresa
“Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle.”
-St. Josemaria Escriva
5. There is no more perfect way to holiness and to Jesus than through our Mother Mary
“The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them.”
-Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
“Have you strayed from the path leading to heaven? Then call on Mary, for her name means “Star of the Sea, the North Star which guides the ships of our souls during the voyage of this life,” and she will guide you to the harbor of eternal salvation.”
― St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, The Secret Of The Rosary
Steps to Get Started
Written by Fr Michael Gaitley, MIC
The process does take some commitment of time and effort, but it’s only for 33 days and takes only a short time each day. You can find the books below at any Catholic Book store and can be found almost anywhere books are sold online.
True Devotion to Mary: with Preparation for Total Consecration (Tan Classics)
The classic and most popular method of consecration written by one of the greatest Marian saints in the history of the Church.
33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration
This is a newer approach to Marian Consecration that seeks more contemplation instead of intense formulas.
Written by Fr Brian McMaster
Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus Through Mary with Blessed John Paul II
Our local Fr Brian McMaster is the author of one of the newest methods of consecration and is easily one of the easiest and most accessible methods.
All to Jesus through Mary!
Thank you for this! And I can say that my first husband, Blaze and I made our total Marian consecration on our anniversary one year. We were astonished at the beautiful changes in our life of faith and devotion, and everywhere with everything. It was a wonderful transformation, and we were in awe. If you haven’t done this yet, Reader, go for it!
Amen to both posts above! She will really transform your heart in such a way that you will have more room for Christ, and will teach you to live with Him in the day to day, just as She did – everyday life in contemplation of Christ. <3
Cristobal, eight of our men in diaconal formation just finished doing the Marian consecration today, March 25, and another fifty-one did it on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on Feb. 11th. We all received plenty of special graces. It was only after the Marian consecration earlier this year that I was finally able to finish the Angels and Dragons article. Thank you!
There is a New Edition of Total Consecration by Fr. High Gillespie.